This unusual set only has four
Duke Ellington compositions among the 11 songs. He features a different soloist on most of the songs (which include seven standards not associated with
Ellington's music). There are showcases for trumpeter
Cat Anderson,
Ray Nance (who sings and plays violin on "I Can't Get Started"), singer
Jimmy Grissom, baritonist
Harry Carney, and the altos of
Johnny Hodges and
Russell Procope, as well as two apiece for clarinetist
Jimmy Hamilton and tenor saxophonist
Paul Gonsalves. The closing "Blues" gives many of the players an additional opportunity to be heard. Although this set is not essential, the music is quite enjoyable and it is interesting to hear
Duke Ellington playing such tunes as "Laura," "My Funny Valentine," and "Indian Summer."